The Nigeria Police High Command has deployed a Formed Police Unit made up of 140 strong personnel and equipped with modern crime fighting and peacekeeping equipment to Guinea Bissau. The Nigeria Police officers are expected to assist the Government and people of Guinea Bissau in restoring peace and stability in the country. The deployment is in fulfillment of Nigeria’s pledge and commitment to assist ECOWAS in restoring rule of law and general orderliness in Guinea Bissau and ECOWAS sub region.
The Police Contingent which is designed to be self sustaining was deployed with full complement of Contingent Owned Equipment (COE). Some of the equipment include five (5) Armoured Personnel Carriers, (12) twelve Patrol Vehicles, arms and ammunitions as well as crowd and riot control equipment. The Contingent also travelled with food rations, an Ambulance, drugs, first aid kits, medical equipment and a team of medical personnel comprising of two Doctors and six Nurses.
A statement by CSP Frank E. Mba ,deputy force public relations officer said contrary to the usual practice of paying allowances on return of the Unit after completion of its assignment, the IGP approved the payment of three Months allowances to the officers in advance of their deployment. This gesture was to boost the morale and to allow the FPU personnel take care of the welfare of their dependants before departure.
While addressing the Contingent before their departure, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, NPM, mni urged them to exhibit at all times, true commitment and dedication in the discharge of their assigned roles. He reminded them that as worthy ambassadors of the nation, they must fly the flag of our country with pride – shunning all forms of vices and conducting themselves with the highest degree of discipline and professionalism. He advised them to respect the laws/customs of their host country and strive to bring honours to themselves and their fatherland through exemplary service to humanity.
In the best spirit of inter-agency cooperation, the contingent and equipment were airlifted to the mission with special flights provided by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
On arrival in Guinea Bissau the contingent was received by a high-powered government delegation including the Guinea Bissau Minister for Internal Security, the country Inspector-General of Police and Senior Military Commanders. Also in attendance were the United Nations (UN) and ECOWAS Liaison officers.
This current deployment to Guinea Bissau brings to nine (9) the total number of countries where Nigeria police officers are presently serving on international peace keeping operations. The other countries are: Liberia, Haiti, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, East Timor, Cote D’voire and Democratic Republic of Congo
